Gajar ka Halwa - Indian Carrot Pudding

Carrot Almond Pudding is a traditional Indian dessert called Gajar Halwa. It is served in a white bowl with almond garnish.

4.86 from 21 votes

Gajar ka Halwa - Indian Carrot Pudding

Delicious Gajar ka Halwa or Indian Carrot Pudding is popular dessert with rich and earthy flavors. This Gluten free and vegan version is made in Instant Pot.

Prep Time10

Cook Time20

Total Time40

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: Indian

Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian

Servings: cups

Calories: 360kcal

Author: Prajakta Sukhatme

Equipment

Ingredients

2 Tablespoon coconut oil
6 cups grated carrots about 8-10 carrots grated
2½ cups unsweetened almond milk
¾ cup cane sugar or sweetener of your choice adjust for sweetness
1 cup almond powder or almond meal
1 teaspoon cardamom powder

Optional Garnishes

2 Tablespoons sliced or blanched almonds
1 Tablespoon rose petals, saffron or raisins

Instructions

How to Make Gajar ka Halwa in the Instant Pot

Turn Instant Pot to Sauté-Hi mode. Add coconut oil. Once its warm, add grated carrots. Sauté for 2-3 mins stirring frequently.
Cancel Sauté mode. Add almond milk, sugar and mix well. Close the lid with the pressure value set to sealing. Select Manual -Hi for 5 mins.
After it's done cooking, Wait for keep warm timer for 8-10 minutes and then release the leftover pressure.
Add almond meal and cardamom powder. Mix well.
Turn Instant Pot to Sauté Hi and cook for 5-7 mins until most of the liquid is evaporated. Stir frequently so it doesn't burn at the bottom. Cancel Saute.
Garnish with sliced almonds, raisins or rose petals. Serve hot or chilled. Enjoy !

How to make carrot halwa on the stove top

Heat the heavy bottom pan. Add the ghee or coconut oil. Add grated carrots and stir for 5-6 minutes. Make sure carrots change color and look roasted. Keep stirring frequently.
Add milk and sugar. Stir few times. Let it boil on low to medium heat. Stir frequently so it does not burn at bottom. Stir in Almond meal. The mixture will start to become thick.
Keep stirring as the mixture thickens. Add cardamom powder and cook till all the liquid had evaporated and mixture is becoming dry. Serve hot or at room temperature as a dessert.

Notes

Gajar ka Halwa freezes well. So you can easily double the recipe and save it for later use as well. If serving for the parties, you can also make this recipe ahead of time. It will keep well in the refrigerator for 5 days.

Nutrition